Philip Hendrick (37) was arrested on the way to a party and found to be carrying €300 worth of cocaine.

A follow up search of his house uncovered the weapons stash which also included two emergency flares. He later told gardaí he bought the guns from a “junkie” five years ago.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him on bail until sentencing next month.

Hendrick of Crannoge Close, Poppintree pleaded guilty to possession of the cocaine at Mellowes Road, Finglas and possession of three handguns and a selection of live and blank ammunition at his home on February 7, 2010.

He told gardaí he bought the guns “to play around with them” and that he did not know they were illegal.

He said he was “like a kid with a toy” but later got bored of them and put them in the wardrobe where gardaí later found them.

Defence counsel Tara Burns SC said Hendrick has three children and works as a maintenance man.

She said he bought the guns because of “a stupid infantile interest” and has no involvement with criminal gangs.